Thomas Gets a Snowplow (Thomas & Friends) (Pictureback(R))
A Random House pictureback book Series
on Goodreads (155)
What’s inside...
Winter is coming and Thomas, being a small engine, needs to put on his snowplow. Thomas hates his snowplow; he thinks it makes him look funny, and when he has it on, the other, bigger engines tease him. But Thomas saves the day when a big storm comes up and Toby is stuck on his branch line.; Thomas & Dragon - TV Board
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
2-4
Length
24 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Why do you think Thomas wanted a snowplow?
How did Thomas feel when he helped clear the snow?
What changes did you notice in Sodor after Thomas cleared the snow?
What would you do if you had a snowplow like Thomas?
How do you think the other engines felt about Thomas' snowplow?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to reflect on the helpfulness displayed by Thomas, asking them how they can be helpful in their own environment.
Discuss the importance of teamwork as seen in the book, and relate it to your child’s experiences at school or home.
Ask your child to imagine different weather conditions and how they would manage them, similar to how Thomas dealt with the snow.
Highlight the feelings and emotions described in the book, prompting your child to express how they feel during various situations.
Use the book’s story to discuss the concept of responsibility and the satisfaction of completing tasks.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Helpfulness
Explanation: In the story, Thomas gets equipped with a snowplow and helps clear the snow from the tracks, ensuring that other trains can travel safely.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of helping others in communal spaces, such as clearing snow or cleaning up shared areas, to maintain safety and harmony.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving
Explanation: Thomas faces a challenge when the snow keeps accumulating, but he strategizes and effectively uses his new snowplow to tackle the issue.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to think critically and creatively to solve problems they encounter, both at school and at home.
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: Despite the difficulties posed by the heavy snow, Thomas does not give up and continues to work hard to clear the tracks.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of persisting through difficult situations to achieve their goals, whether it be finishing a challenging puzzle or learning a new skill.
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: Thomas’s efforts to clear the snow benefit all the trains, demonstrating how individual efforts can contribute to the greater good of the community.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to participate in team activities and understand how their contributions can help achieve a common objective.